A house of Cards

ORLANDO, Fla. — Teddy Bridgewater threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score in No. 18 Louisville’s 36-9 victory over Miami on Saturday night in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

North Carolina's Ryan Switzer, front, celebrates with teammates Damien Washington, back, and Ryan Mangum, center, after returning a punt for a touchdown against Cincinnati during the second half of the Belk Bowl NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

The Cardinals (12-1) spotted Miami (9-4) an early 2-0 lead, then dominated the rest of the way, racking up 554 total yards to the Hurricanes’ 174.

Bridgewater was 35 for 45 for career-high 447 yards.

Louisville won its second straight bowl game for its second 12-win season.

With Cardinals’ fans chanting “Teddy! Teddy!” at times throughout the game Bridgewater, projected to be a top NFL draft pick if he comes out this summer, set a school season record with 31 touchdown passes. The Miami native also tied the school record with his 27th victory as Louisville’s starter.

Miami, playing in its first bowl game since 2010, hasn’t had a bowl victory since 2006, losing four straight. The Hurricanes were returning to the postseason following a two-year, self-imposed ban during an NCAA investigation.

They got on the scoreboard first with the safety. But was one of their few highlights.

A big second quarter by the Cardinals, punctuated by Bridgewater’s two touchdown passes helped Louisville take a 22-2 lead.

Miami managed only 83 total yards in the first half, while Louisville had 280.